Oxygen Therapy Information
According to the American Thoracic Society, the air we breath into the lungs contains 21 percent oxygen. Oxygen is needed for the body to function properly. Oxygen is carried throughout the body by the blood. People who have medical problems which impair lung function may have low blood oxygen levels and need additional oxygen. This is known as oxygen therapy.
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Facts
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Tests which help determine if a patient needs oxygen therapy include a pulse oximeter test. An oximeter measures the amount of oxygen in the blood through a light sensor which is placed on the patient's finger. An arterial blood gas is another way to measure blood oxygen levels. Blood is taken from an artery via a needle to measure the oxygen level in the body.
Indications
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Certain conditions interfere with gas exchange in the lungs and prevent patients from getting enough oxygen into the blood. For example, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often have low oxygen levels in their bodies. Other conditions which may require oxygen therapy include asthma and pulmonary fibrosis. According to Ohio State University Medical Center, symptoms of low blood oxygen levels include shortness of breath, fatigue, problems concentrating and blue lips or skin.
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Features
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Oxygen therapy can be delivered various ways. Often oxygen is given to a patient via a nasal cannula or an oxygen mask. A nasal cannula is a device which has two nasal prongs attached to tubing. A mask fits over the nose and mouth. Both devices are attached to an oxygen source, such as a flow meter in a hospital or a cylinder for home use.
Hyperbaric oxygen chambers are used to deliver higher levels of oxygen therapy to patients with certain conditions. According to the National Institutes of Health, the pressure inside the chambers is greater than normal, allowing higher levels of oxygen to be delivered to the body. It is used to treat severe infections and wounds.
Side Effects
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Oxygen is considered a drug and requires a prescription by a doctor. Although it is considered safe, side effects can occur. In patients with COPD, too much oxygen may prevent the brain from sending signals to breathe as frequently it normally does, according to Ohio State University Medical Center.
Oxygen is also flammable and safety precautions should be taken. According to the American Thoracic Society, people undergoing oxygen therapy should not smoke while using oxygen and should keep oxygen away from open flames.
Considerations
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According to the American Thoracic Society, some people only need oxygen temporarily while they are recovering from a lung problem. Other patients may need oxygen therapy only while they sleep. Certain patients with chronic problems may need oxygen therapy continuously. Oxygen therapy can be given at home using different sources of oxygen such as cylinders, liquid oxygen and oxygen concentrators. A respiratory therapist, doctor or home oxygen supply company can help patients decide what type of oxygen source is best for their particular oxygen therapy.
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